Missouri State senior Anthony Downing knows the Bears need to take care of the ball to be successful in Missouri Valley Conference play.

Written by

Taking care of the basketball has been one of Missouri State's strengths this season. Taking the ball away from opponents has been a Bradley specialty.

Something has to give today when the teams meet in a mid-pack battle for Missouri Valley Conference positioning at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill.

"We have to take care of the ball to give ourselves a chance to win," Bears guard Anthony Downing said. "That's a key in every game. It's especially big against (Bradley) and their guards who are real good players." ...